If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Ponzi schemers are at it again in Hawaii, so remember the old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do as much research as possible on any proposed venture — and into its glib hawkers.

Recent cases in Hawaii recall the notorious scam of decades ago, involving Ron Rewald, who in the 1980s collected more than $22 million from Hawaii residents to invest in a firm he called "Bishop, Baldwin, Rewald, Dillingham and Wong." Once caught, he claimed it was a CIA cover-up. His creativity was rewarded with a decade in federal prison.

Check out the library, and maybe a book, too

Shhh! This is the library, and librarians like to keep things quiet.

That may be why the Hawaii State Library’s 100th birthday came and went Feb. 1 without a whole lot of public hoopla. There are, in fact, nearly a year’s worth of centennial events planned, listed online. Start at librarieshawaii.org and click on the "programs and events" link.

Hawaii’s main library is a wonderful building, well worth a visit. There’s a centennial display, full of historical facts. The Honolulu Library and Reading Room Association, for example, is considered the "mother" of the library system. It began in 1879 to "provide a reading room for mechanics where they could spend an evening, enjoyably, away from the allurements of the saloons."

The library’s still a good place to escape saloons. Also, there are books.